Examining Employment and Retention Challenges of Arab Non-Native English-Speaking Seafarers in the International Maritime Industry: A Quantitative Analysis

ABSTRACT This study investigates the impact of English-speaking fluency on non-native English-speaking seafarers’ success in securing international maritime jobs and explores the role of formal and informal English education in enhancing employability, integrating 3 vital sustainable development goals; goal 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth), goal 4 (Quality Education), and goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities). The research design employs a quantitative methodology using the survey as primary data, with a purpose to investigate a clear and tangible understanding of the problem and craft evidence-based solutions. The phase focuses on collecting and analyzing quantitative data through online questionnaires, to gather data on general and maritime English language proficiency, job experiences, English educational background experiences, and perceptions of the significance of English proficiency for career advancement, via the perspectives of 3 main stakeholders; non-native English-speaking seafarers with different ranks (sample of 374), maritime employers (sample of 43), and maritime English educators (sample of 10). This structured approach aims to capture measurable data that can provide a foundation for understanding the broader context of the research. The research targeted non-native English-speaking Arab countries including Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Sudan, Jordan, Libya and Yemen. The results reveal a significant correlation (0.872) between speaking fluency and job acquisition, with formal Business English education (0.815) and informal learning methods (0.910) also strongly influencing employment opportunities. Career development programs and cultural exchanges are crucial for aligning graduates’ skills with market demands, with correlations of 0.855 and 0.842, respectively. The study concludes that non-native English-speaking seafarers face substantial challenges, including communication barriers and discrimination, impacting their job prospects and overall well-being. Recommendations include enhancing language training in maritime curricula, implementing diversity and inclusion policies, and promoting ongoing informal learning opportunities during and after college. These strategies aim to improve non-native English-speaking seafarers’ employability and foster a supportive maritime work environment, ultimately enhancing safety and operational efficiency at sea, and the overall maritime economy.